NGO Seeks Dedicated Monsoon Action Plan for Chennai's Homeless

The Information and Resource Centre for the Deprived Urban Communities (IRCDUC), a Chennai-based organisation working with deprived urban groups, has called for the formulation of a dedicated monsoon action plan to protect people experiencing homelessness across the city during heavy rain and extreme weather conditions.

The organisation highlighted the urgent need for structured measures to guarantee uninterrupted access to emergency shelters, healthcare, and essential relief services for vulnerable populations living on the streets.

According to the IRCDUC, civic authorities should map homeless individuals and identify locations where they are heavily concentrated across Chennai ahead of the monsoon season. The group noted that conducting this mapping in advance is crucial to ensure timely assistance during severe weather events.

The NGO urged authorities to ensure round-the-clock access to safe shelters with tailored provisions for vulnerable demographics, including women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. It stressed that these shelters must be adequately stocked to supply food, drinking water, sanitation facilities, and essential medicines.

To assist individuals who may not approach facilities independently, the organisation recommended deploying dedicated outreach teams. The IRCDUC noted that all outreach interventions must be conducted with dignity and the consent of the individuals involved, without resorting to forced relocation.

The organisation also underscored the necessity of an emergency healthcare response, calling for mobile medical teams to be sent out to reach vulnerable people residing on the streets.

To execute these measures effectively, the IRCDUC sought structured coordination among shelter management services, the health department, disaster management authorities, the police, and civil society organisations.

Addressing existing infrastructure, a senior corporation official stated that the civic body operates nearly 60 shelters across Chennai, providing a total capacity for nearly 6,000 people.